Neurology

Neurology is the branch of medicine concerned with diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with disorders of the nervous system. This covers conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles; and their complex functions. At the heart of neurological practice is the careful clinical analysis of the site and nature of the problem.

Most neurological conditions are managed in the outpatient clinic, with 16 diseases (including epilepsy and migraine) accounting for 75% of new referrals. Care of patients with long-term neurological conditions (for example motor neurone disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease) is an important part of this work. Managing acute neurological emergencies (including stroke and meningitis) is an increasing part of many neurologists' routine duties. Recent medical and technological advances (such as imaging techniques) allow specific diagnosis and treatment of the majority of neurological conditions.

Consultant neurologists work closely with a wide cross-section of medical specialties and crucially within multidisciplinary teams including specialist nurses. Neurologists are involved in clinical and basic research; in teaching and training, and in enhancing clinical services.

Related RCP publications

Map of Medicine

The RCP has been working with Map of Medicine since 2008 to produce web-based knowledge support tools. There are 300 evidence-based clinical care maps covering all major areas of healthcare; including care maps for specific specialties.

Care map	Specialty	Date of expiry	External link to Map of Medicine
Headache in adults	Neurology	31 October 2011	Access the headache in adults care map
Stroke and transient ischaemic attack	Neurology	31 October 2011	Access the stroke and TIA care map
Parkinson's disease	Neurology	27 April 2012	Access the Parkinson's disease care map